Unstoppable Azarenka downs Sharapova

Victoria Azarenka was far too good for Maria Sharapova as she maintained her perfect start to the year with victory in Indian Wells.

The Belarusian had already claimed the Apia International, the Australian Open and the Qatar Total Open before taking the BNP Paribas Open and she justified her billing as the world number one with another superb display to hammer her Russian opponent on Sunday.

The Monte Carlo resident managed to break serve six times and was never really challenged in running out a 6-2 6-3 winner in California.

She has now won 23 consecutive matches in 2012 but still has some way to go to match the record held by Martina Hingis, who won 37 straight matches back in 1997.

But it would be a brave man to back against Azarenka moving past the 'Swiss Miss' as she is in red-hot form at present and has swept all before her this year.

The 22-year-old was delighted to land yet another title and admitted that she is currently in dream land.

"I was just trying to do my best because I know Maria is a fighter," she said in a court-side interview after the match. "I always tried to stay focused and apply as much pressure as I can.

"I never dreamed about that (perfect start to year). It's amazing and I'm just so glad that I have been able to be consistent and disciplined and professional every day."